PARIS — The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2013 Christmas parade theme: “A North Pole Christmas.”

John Williams, executive director of the Chamber, explains the early announcement, “We heard feedback from several businesses who were either unaware of this year’s Christmas parade theme or felt as though they didn’t learn the theme early enough to plan for a float. To avoid that confusion for next year’s parade and allow people plenty of time to plan and purchase decorations, we decided to announce next year’s theme now.”

When choosing “A North Pole Christmas” as the theme, the Chamber parade committee members envision seeing floats with polar bears, reindeer, penguins, elves, a toy workshop and even a Polar Express type train. However, there can be no Santas on the floats. There is only one Santa who makes an appearance at the end of the parade.

The parade will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and will begin on Main Street in Norway. The cost to enter a parade float will remain $35 and participants do not need to be a Chamber member.

“Starting the parade in Norway was a huge success,” said Williams. “We appreciate the work of the Norway Police Department for closing down all the side streets and directing traffic as well as the folks at the Progress Center, New Balance and Ari’s Pizza for opening up their parking lots to the parade participants and volunteers.”

Williams also wanted to thank all the parade participants and spectators for their patience with the delayed start. “The parade always starts at 11 a.m. sharp, but this year there was an accident along the parade route which delayed the parade’s start. Thank you for waiting for the state’s largest Christmas parade to begin. I think it was worth the wait.”

For information contact the Chamber at 743-2281 or email info@oxfordhillsmaine.com.

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